GAUTIER, Mississippi -- U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith will headline a candidates forum set for Friday night in Gautier.

Hosted by Gautier Mayor Phil Torjusen and friends of the candidates, the forum will be held at Shell Landing Country Club from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

In April, Hyde-Smith was appointed by Gov. Phil Bryant to fill the seat vacated with the retirement of longtime Sen. Thad Cochran. She was sworn in April 9, becoming the first woman to represent Mississippi in Congress.

She is running in the Nov. 6 special election to fill the remainder of Cochran's term, which expires in 2021.

Although not confirmed, Torjusen said U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo may attend, but representatives from his campaign will be on hand, regardless, along with those from the office of U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker.

In addition, all candidates for Jackson County judicial office have been invited, along with candidates for state office in 2019.